The Marvel Cinematic Universe could be getting some serious star power in the near future. An exclusive scoop from Variety reveals that two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett is in negotiations to play one of the new female leads in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok.
Last October, Hollywood Gossip website LaineyGossip revealed that Marvel Studios was targeting a high profile actress to star as the film's antagonist, even hinting that it might be Cate herself.
"Marvel will pursue a big name actress for Mystery Villainess-like Cate Blanchett big." Says the report.
The move would mark the first time that a woman has served as the main villain in a Marvel film.
"I have heard that Marvel is also planning on bringing their first major female villain into their cinematic universe." Read's the article. "I don't know who the character is for sure, but there are a couple likely candidates from Asgard: Amora the Enchantress, a sorceress; or Hela, Queen of the Dead."
Blanchett is riding high, following the recent announcement of the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe nominations. The actress is one of the front-runners to bag the best actress trophy at both award shows for her performance in the lesbian romance drama, Carol.
As for Thor: Ragnarok, it looks like it is shaping up to be a huge film. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk has already been confirmed to play a prominent role in the plot.
Speaking with We Got This Covered, leading man Chris Hemsworth spoke of what fans can expect when the God of Thunder meets Bruce Banner.
"I'd like to think I let him win last time, but because this movie is called Thor, I have to win this time. I hope it's a Butch Cassidy (and the Sundance Kid) sort of story. That would be fun. I love Mark. I think those two characters haven't spent a whole lot of time talking to each other on screen (so far in the Marvel movies) , so it's something new, I think it would bring something different out of the characters. It's hard to have a conversation with the Hulk."
